| Many people are unaware or unsure what their | | | | defeating the purpose and as the decay expands, it |
| decision entails. And hopefully with some good | | | | leads back to air infiltration and especially with heavy |
| guidance from your contractor, he will explore your | | | | larger units, structure issues can lead to window failure |
| needs and explain them to you in detail. If not, here are | | | | that will not be covered under the replacement |
| some points to consider. Whether your current | | | | window warranty. |
| windows do not function properly or as you would like | | | | New construction style windows require all the interior |
| or you are concerned about the efficiency of them, or | | | | trim casing be removed. On the exterior, the siding in |
| even both. | | | | the general area needs to be removed and the entire |
| Once you have decided to explore your need to | | | | old window unit is then removed from the framed |
| upgrade, most window remodeling jobs are in the | | | | opening, this method gives the opportunity to inspect |
| thousands of dollar range, given the usual high quantity | | | | the framing and sheathing for any water damage, rot |
| of units installed, so many choose to have a Thermal | | | | or insects. |
| Infrared inspection performed to see where the issues | | | | Once any repairs that may be needed are complete, a |
| are and the best remodeling method to use. The | | | | new window unit is installed plumb and level and |
| inspection is basically a thermal x-ray of your house, | | | | secured with a integrated nailing flange, beaded with |
| showing where air infiltrates and temperature | | | | sealant and secured around the perimeter, new |
| differences on the surfaces of walls and ceilings, | | | | flashing is installed and house wrap applied prior to the |
| indicating insulation or moisture related issues. | | | | siding being re installed. On the interior new insulation is |
| There are significant differences between | | | | installed around the window and framed opening. Re |
| replacement or new construction style windows from | | | | installation of the old casing trim or new materials are |
| both a cost and requirement perspective, lets take a | | | | installed, painted or stained and some wall painting in |
| look at both styles. | | | | the area is usually required. |
| A popular option is the replacement window style, the | | | | So do I use replacement windows or new |
| window unit from a price perspective is similar to, or | | | | construction? |
| slightly lower than a new construction style unit, and | | | | Replacement window advantages: |
| the Installation costs is less because less labor / time | | | | Generally lower Unit Cost & Lower Installation |
| and less materials are used in this installation method. | | | | Costs. |
| The window sash units themselves differ little if any, | | | | Replacement window disadvantages: |
| from the new construction style units. | | | | Existing window frame components should be in good |
| A basic replacement window installation consists of a | | | | condition and be expected to last or to be maintained |
| measurement of the existing window opening, width | | | | for the life of the new window. If the house is already |
| and height, "accuracy counts" for a proper size | | | | seen many years, this may be an unrealistic |
| replacement unit to be made. Once your windows | | | | expectation. |
| arrive the first step is removing the existing window | | | | Lacks the opportunity to examine for inadequate |
| sashes and the tracks or guides they operate on. A | | | | insulation and unseen issues in and around the framed |
| general cleaning of the opening is completed, and then | | | | window area.. |
| the replacement unit is "dry fit" to check for any | | | | Will likely require maintenance around sealant applied |
| obstructions or other issues. | | | | areas at some future point. |
| Once this has been done we are ready to do the | | | | New Construction style windows advantages: |
| install, an application of sealant is applied to the exterior | | | | A complete factory framed unit complete with new |
| stops, insulation is installed in the adjustable / | | | | trim and sill. no sealant required around the interior of |
| expandable top and or lower portions of the window | | | | replacement window frame |
| unit, the unit is then put in place, shimmed and | | | | Allows for inspection and repairs of unseen issues in |
| adjustments for plumb and level are made, then the | | | | and around the window area at the framing level. |
| window is secured with screws in the manufactures | | | | Window size changes |
| supplied holes. If the original sizing was performed | | | | New Construction style window Disadvantages: |
| correctly there now is a requirement for minimal | | | | Price for additional materials and installation labor, |
| amount of insulation to be installed in between the unit | | | | Generally a longer installation period. |
| and the opening, then reinstall any interior stop trim and | | | | Having reviewed the differences, Replacement |
| any needed touch up. And your window is in. | | | | windows are fine when properly measured for and |
| So you ask, then why would I need a new | | | | installed, and the existing window frame I sill unit is in |
| construction style window installed as a replacement? | | | | excellent condition. And there are no signs or thoughts |
| Here are some possible issues to consider and may | | | | of damage below the siding. Regardless it is best to |
| be more likely, depending on the age group of your | | | | have the installer inspect the flashing and apply a bead |
| house. | | | | of sealant around the perimeter of the existing window |
| Remember we took out the old sash and tracks on | | | | frame, not only to the replacement window insert |
| the replacement units, did your contractor remove the | | | | perimeter. |
| interior trim / casing to inspect for the proper, if any | | | | New construction windows will be the best choice |
| insulation in between the window frame and the rough | | | | when damage to sills and trims is apparent and in |
| framing of the opening? Likely not and it is generally | | | | many cases there is further underlying damage. If you |
| not part of the replacement window procedure, though | | | | happen to be residing the house at the same time this |
| in many and especially in older homes this represents a | | | | is the best choice, or simply the desire for a change of |
| significant amount of heat loss&air; infiltration, | | | | window size. |
| possibly equal to the loss that was there with the old | | | | With either style, there are several choices of glass |
| windows, if there were old sash weights, did these | | | | layer counts, along with choices for and the type of |
| cavities get filled with insulation? Now let's take a look | | | | gas filled in between each layer and or special |
| from the outside, is the existing window sill and trim in | | | | coatings. With these combinations you can achieve |
| good condition? To many times we see replacement | | | | very high efficiencies, measured as a U factor and the |
| windows fitted into old decaying window frames, | | | | lower the numeral the more energy efficient. |